Veliko Tarnovo Info

Petropavlovski Monastery

From Arbanasi, it’s a five-kilometre walk or drive northeast to the tenth-century Petropavlovski Monastery (Monastery of Peter and Paul), a foundation built on the site of a Roman fort. The monastery occupies a hilltop site overlooking the town of Lyaskovets, with the gendy undulating arable land of the Danubian Plain stretching out beyond.

The church and outbuildings are largely unremarkable nineteenth-century affairs, with the restful courtyard garden and great views being the real attractions.

To get there, you can either walk or drive along the asphalt road heading uphill to the southeast from Arbanasi’s main square, which takes you along a ridge providing views of Tsarevets; turn left after 3km, then right after another 2km, and the monastery is 200m downhill from here.

Alternatively, you could catch the #14 Lyaskovets bus from opposite Veliko Turnovo’s Pazar, alighting at Lyaskovets town park (recognizable by a big white Communistera memorial on your left). An asphalt track leads uphill to the monastery from here (50min).